Best natural monuments around Mechower Lake offer diverse landscapes and historical significance. The region features nature reserves, historical sites, and viewpoints, providing opportunities to explore its natural and cultural heritage. Mechower Lake is characterized by its lake shore, adjacent forests, and areas that were once part of the former inner-German border. These natural features contribute to a varied terrain suitable for exploration.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
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A beautiful spot of nature
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Take a moment to pause
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A memorable moment when cycling along here.
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You can go hiking well here.
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The Ice Age Rinnensee bears the name of the community of Mechow, which lies on the Lauenburg shore in Schleswig-Holstein. The lake, however, belongs to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The “ Grenzhus ” museum in Schlagsdorf opposite tells of the time on the former inner-German border. On the eastern bank of the lake, the stations of the border course tell this story. Today you can walk around the entire lake in a distance of around 9 kilometers. It's definitely worth taking binoculars with you! Lake Mechower is a paradise for water birds. Numerous species of ducks and geese live here. If you're lucky, you can even spot a sea eagle from the observation tower on the northwest bank. You can observe and take photos in shelter in the "Hide", a ground-floor wooden hut with a wide panoramic window. The observation hide at the southernmost point of the lake near Wietingsbek is barrier-free accessible. On the way, the beautiful landscape offers wonderful views, especially when the Schle is in bloom
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The approximately 111 hectare nature reserve is registered under number 152 in the directory of nature reserves of the Ministry for Energy Transition, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Areas. It was designated in 2013 (date of the ordinance: July 15, 2013) and replaces the approximately 31-hectare "Mechower Seeufer" nature reserve designated at the end of 1992. The nature reserve is largely part of the EU bird sanctuary "Schaalsee area" and the FFH area "Forests and lake shore east of Lake Ratzeburg". It borders directly on the "Mechower See" nature reserve in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to the north-east and on the "Steinerne Rinne und Mechower Holz" nature reserve to the north. In the southeast are the nature reserves "Lankower Seeufer, Grammsee und Surroundings" and "Lankower See". The district Duchy of Lauenburg is responsible for the lower nature conservation authority. The nature reserve is located north-east of Ratzeburg in the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park. It is part of the Green Belt along the former inner-German border and protects the western shore area of Lake Mechower and some of the adjacent areas. In its northern area, the protected area is mainly characterized by a narrow strip of broken forest on the shore of Lake Mechower. In the area directly adjacent to Mechow and the areas to the south-east of Mechow, extensively used grassland areas with tall herb meadows and trees and shrubs near the banks predominate. Southeast of Mechow is a wet area with reed zones and still water in the nature reserve. Source: Wikipedia
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we were lucky enough to meet a ranger here who then showed us where the eagle is sitting on the treetop on the opposite bank... that was very impressive
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The Mechower Lake area is characterized by its diverse natural landscape, including the lake shore itself, adjacent forests, and significant nature reserves. You'll find areas with broken forest, grassland, and reed zones, particularly within the Mechower Seeufer Nature Reserve. The region also features viewpoints offering extensive all-round views of the lake and its surroundings.
Yes, the region holds significant historical importance. A prominent site is the Former Inner German Border (Grenzlinie) at Steinerne Rinne and Mechower Wood, which marks a poignant part of German history. Another historical spot is Wietingsbek – Historic Site on Mechower Lake, offering good access and views of the lake.
Many of the natural monuments in the area are family-friendly. For instance, the Observation Tower at Mechower Lake provides an engaging experience with informative signs and great views. The Mechower Seeufer Nature Reserve and the historical sites like the Former Inner German Border are also suitable for family visits, offering both natural beauty and educational opportunities.
The Mechower Lake area is known for its rich birdlife, especially in the verlandungszone (transition zone between water and land). The Observation Tower at Mechower Lake offers excellent views of these bird-rich areas, where you might spot cormorants and other waterfowl. The Mechower Seeufer Nature Reserve is also part of the EU bird sanctuary "Schaalsee area".
Yes, the Observation Tower at Mechower Lake is a prime location for panoramic views. It offers extensive all-round views of the lake and the surrounding landscape, including the bird-rich verlandungszone. Additionally, Wietingsbek – Historic Site on Mechower Lake also provides good, relatively unobstructed views of the water.
The area around Mechower Lake is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous cycling routes, including road cycling, touring, and gravel biking. For detailed routes and guides, you can check out the Road Cycling Routes around Mechower Lake, Cycling around Mechower Lake, and Gravel biking around Mechower Lake guides.
Yes, for the Steinerne Rinne and Mechower Holz Nature Reserve, the hiking trail through the Mechower Holz forest may only be used between June 16 and January 31. This restriction is in place to protect endangered bird species. Always check local signage for the most current information.
Yes, Wietingsbek – Historic Site on Mechower Lake is noted as being wheelchair-accessible, offering good access to the lake and views of the water.
The Mechower Seeufer Nature Reserve is an approximately 111-hectare protected area. It safeguards the western shore of Lake Mechower, featuring a narrow strip of broken forest, extensively used grassland areas with tall herb meadows, and reed zones. It is also part of the Green Belt along the former inner-German border and an EU bird sanctuary.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse landscapes and the historical significance of the area. The all-round views from the Observation Tower are highly rated, as is the opportunity to reflect on history at the Former Inner German Border. The peaceful nature reserves and the freedom to explore these historically rich landscapes are also frequently highlighted.
Yes, the area offers opportunities for walking and hiking. The Steinerne Rinne and Mechower Holz Nature Reserve includes trails, though some are subject to seasonal restrictions for bird protection. The diverse terrain, including forests and lake shores, provides varied options for exploration on foot.
The Former Inner German Border (Grenzlinie) at Steinerne Rinne and Mechower Wood is a historical site that marks a significant part of German history. It allows visitors to reflect on the past division of Germany and appreciate the present freedom of movement, making the historical impact tangible and meaningful.


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